Cholesterol Chart & Checker
Last updated: 2026-06-25
LDL (the bad cholesterol) below 100 mg/dL, HDL (the good cholesterol) 60 or higher, triglycerides below 150, and total cholesterol below 200 are the target ranges.
Enter only the items you have, and the tool classifies each as normal, borderline or high (HDL as optimal or low). Results are for reference only, not a diagnosis.
Enter your cholesterol (only what you have)
Cholesterol by item
| Item | Value | Category |
|---|
No items entered. Enter a number for at least one item.
This result is a reference classification of your input, not a diagnosis. Your individual LDL target may be lower depending on cardiovascular risk, and treatment is decided by a clinician. For authoritative criteria see the American Heart Association.
How to use
- Enter your numbers — type total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides from your lab report in mg/dL. You do not need to fill every field.
- Run the check — press Check.
- View the result — each entered item is shown in a table as normal, borderline or high (HDL as optimal or low).
Cholesterol thresholds by item
A lipid (cholesterol) panel usually reports four numbers: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. LDL is the "bad" cholesterol that builds up in artery walls, while HDL is the "good" cholesterol that removes cholesterol from the blood. The chart below shows widely used classification thresholds for general adults.
| Item | Optimal/Normal | Borderline | High (LDL/TG/total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | below 200 | 200-239 | 240 or higher |
| LDL cholesterol | below 100 (optimal) / 100-129 (normal) | 130-159 | 160 or higher (190+ very high) |
| HDL cholesterol | 60 or higher (protective) | 40-59 (average) | below 40 (low) |
| Triglycerides (TG) | below 150 | 150-199 | 200 or higher (500+ very high) |
Unlike the other items, higher HDL is better, and management is needed when it is below 40 mg/dL (below 50 is often considered low for women). The LDL target is set lower (e.g. below 70 mg/dL) when there are more risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes or a history of cardiovascular disease. So the same LDL of 130 can be interpreted differently depending on risk.
Cholesterol is influenced by diet (saturated and trans fats), exercise, weight, alcohol and genetics. To check it alongside your weight, use the BMI & Waist tool; for normal blood pressure and blood sugar, see the guide.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is a normal LDL cholesterol level?
Generally, LDL (the 'bad' cholesterol) below 100 mg/dL is optimal. 100-129 is normal, 130-159 borderline, 160-189 high and 190 or higher very high. Depending on cardiovascular risk, the target may be set even lower.
Is higher HDL always better?
HDL is the 'good' cholesterol that removes cholesterol from blood vessels. 60 mg/dL or higher is protective, while below 40 mg/dL (below 50 for women) is considered low and worth managing.
What is the triglyceride (TG) threshold?
Triglycerides below 150 mg/dL are normal. 150-199 is borderline, 200-499 high and 500 or higher very high. Triglycerides are strongly affected by food and alcohol, so they are usually measured fasting.
If total cholesterol is normal, am I fine?
Even with normal total cholesterol, high LDL or low HDL can still be risky. That is why it is important to look at LDL, HDL and triglycerides as well, not just total cholesterol.
Can I adjust my medication based on this result?
No. This tool is a reference classification of your input, not a diagnosis or prescription. Your individual target levels and whether to treat are decided by a healthcare professional based on your risk.
Related tools & guides
Blood Pressure Chart
Classify hypertension stages from systolic and diastolic readings.
Blood Sugar Chart
Classify diabetes ranges from fasting, post-meal glucose and HbA1c.
BMI & Waist
Check obesity level and abdominal obesity together.
Normal BP & Blood Sugar
A guide to normal ranges and how to manage them.
Last updated: 2026-06-25